Patent Application
20090200304
The technical field of the inventions relate to containers used for packaging beverages, and more particularly to stay-tab type beverage cans.
The beverage industry encompasses the production, packaging and distribution of a wide variety of beverages including beer, soft drinks, tea, juices and drinking water. Several types of packaging containers are used in the beverage industry including waxed cardboard cartons, plastic or glass bottles and jugs, as well as aluminum cans. A significant portion of beer and soft drink production is packaged in aluminum cans. Aluminum cans or containers have been used for packaging beer and soft drinks for decades.
Early beverage cans required the use of a can piercing device or other tool to pierce holes in the can in order to open the can or otherwise gain access to the beverage contents. In the early 1960's what is known as the pop-top or pull-tab beverage can was introduced. The new pull-tab cans could be opened without using any type of device or tool. This was made possible by stamping a score line in the top of each can. The stamped score line defined or circumscribed a small panel to which a pull-tab or ring was attached.
To open the can, one end of the pull-tab was tilted upward and pulled away from the top of the can. This tilting and pulling of the tab caused the score line to rupture, thereby unsealing the can. To complete the opening process, the tab was pulled until the entire panel along with the connected pull-tab was completely separated from the can, thus leaving an opening through which the beverage could be drunk. The separated pull-tab and attached panel were often indiscriminately discarded, or in some cases placed inside the can, by the user. Such actions led to both environmental and user safety concerns.
At least partially in response to these concerns an improved container known as the stay-tab can was introduced in the 1970's. The now familiar stay-tab can is similar to the older pull-tab can except that with the stay-tab can the tab is attached to the lid but not attached to the panel as with the older pull-tab can. Another difference is that with the stay-tab can the score line does not completely circumscribe the panel as with the older style can. Thus, with the stay-tab can, both the tab and the panel remain attached to the can upon completion of the opening process.
Typical aluminum stay-tab beverage cans consist of three pieces usually formed from cold-rolled aluminum alloy. The largest piece of the can is a deep cylindrical main section with integral bottom end that is typically formed by a wall-ironing or other suitable process. The next largest piece of the can is a stamped top or lid that is typically sealed to the main section after filling. The third piece of the can is the stay-tab, which is connected to the top just outside the scored panel.
Although the prior art stay-tab type container can provide benefits compared with the earlier pull-tab can, various associated problems have remained unsolved. For example, when used to contain certain drinks, and especially sweetened drinks like soda pop or juices, an open stay-tab container can be highly attractive and accessible to various types of venomous or poisonous flying insects, as well as disease-carrying vermin such as flies. Such insects can easily enter an open stay-tab container unbeknownst to the user. When a user attempts to drink from an open stay-tab can having such an insect inside, the results can be significantly less than pleasant—especially in the case of an aggressive stinging insect such as a wasp, bee, or hornet.
Some or all of the problems explained above and other problems may be helped or solved by the inventions shown and described herein. Such inventions may also be used to address other problems not set out above or which are developed at a later time. The future may also bring to light unknown benefits which may be in the future appreciated from the novel inventions shown and described herein.
Specific forms, configurations, embodiments and/or diagrams relating to and helping to describe preferred versions of the inventions are explained and characterized herein, often with reference to the accompanying drawings. The drawings and all features shown therein also serve as part of the disclosure of the inventions of the current application whether described in text or merely by graphical disclosure alone. Such drawings are briefly described below.
A table of subsections for the detail description is below.
The readers of this document should understand that the embodiments described herein may rely on terminology used in any section of this document and other terms readily apparent from the drawings and the language common therefor as may be known in a particular art and such as known or indicated and provided by dictionaries. Dictionaries were used in the preparation of this document. Widely known and used in the preparation hereof are Webster's Third New International Dictionary (©1993), The Oxford English Dictionary (Second Edition, ©1989), and The New Century Dictionary (©2001-2005), all of which are hereby incorporated by reference for interpretation of terms used herein and for application and use of words defined in such references to more adequately or aptly describe various features, aspects and concepts shown or otherwise described herein using more appropriate words having meanings applicable to such features, aspects and concepts.
This document is premised upon using one or more terms with one embodiment that may also apply to other embodiments for similar structures, functions, features and aspects of the invention. Wording used in the claims is also descriptive of the invention and the text of both claims and abstract are incorporated by reference into the description entirely in the form as originally filed. Terminology used with one, some or all embodiments may be used for describing and defining the technology and exclusive rights associated herewith.
The readers of this document should further understand that the embodiments described herein may rely on terminology and features used in any section or embodiment shown in this document and other terms readily apparent from the drawings and language common or proper therefor. This document is premised upon using one or more terms or features shown in one embodiment that may also apply to or be combined with other embodiments for similar structures, functions, features and aspects of the invention and provide additional embodiments of the inventions.
It is to be understood that the term pull-tab, as generally used herein, is generally intended to encompass all types of pull-tabs for use on pull-tab type beverage cans or containers. By contrast, the term stay-tab is intended to denote only those types of pull-tabs that are to be used with stay-tab type beverage cans or containers. Moreover, the term tab is intended to denote either a pull-tab or a stay-tab depending upon the context in which the term is used. As is discussed herein above, the stay-tab type of beverage container is that which is designed such that the scored panel and the pull-tab do not become separated from the remainder of the beverage container during or as a result of the opening process.
In accordance with at least one improvement and/or novel aspect of the disclosure, the stay-tab 130 includes one or more protection features that can serve to substantially prevent certain types of undesirable or objectionable objects from entering a container to which the stay-tab is attached. Such objects can include, for example, stinging insects such as bees, hornets and wasps. In an exemplary embodiment, these protection features are in the form of at least one barrier 138. The barrier 138 can be substantially integral with the stay-tab 130. The barrier 138 can at least partially define a plurality of apertures 134 through which liquid contents of a container can be dispensed as is more fully described below. The barrier 138 can also serve to substantially discourage pests, such as stinging insects, from entering the container.
One or more of the main body 110, the lid 120, and the stay-tab 130 can be formed from cold-rolled aluminum alloy sheet. The main body 110 can be formed by wall-ironing or the like into a one-piece cylindrical open-top receptacle having an integral bottom. The substantially disk-like lid 120 can be formed by stamping or the like. The lid 120 can further be adapted to be sealed by swaging or other such means onto the open top of the main body 110 after filling, thereby enclosing the filled contents within the container 100. The lid 120 can have one or more score lines 121 that at least partially circumscribe and define a closure panel 122. The panel 122 can be configured to be opened by manipulation of the stay-tab 130 so as to cause the score line 121 to rupture or break as is described herein above with respect to conventional containers.
The stay-tab 130 can be formed using any of a number of techniques including stamping. The stay-tab 130 can have a first end 131 and a second end 132. The first end 131 can be called a reticulated end and the second end 132 can be called an impingement end for reasons which are apparent from discussion further below. The stay-tab 130 includes a connection point 133 at which the stay-tab is to be connected or mounted to a lid of a container. The connection point 133 can include or be substantially in the form of a hole or the like defined in the stay-tab 130. The connection point 133 can be between the first end 131 and the second end 132 of the stay-tab 130. In accordance with at least one embodiment of the disclosure, the stay-tab 130 can be substantially permanently connected to the lid 120 at the connection point 133.
The connection of the stay-tab 130 to the lid 120 can be accomplished by any of a number of means such as by way of a stud rivet or the like (not shown) that can be integrally formed as part of the lid. In this manner, the stay-tab 130, after connection to the lid 120, is substantially pivotal or rotatable relative to the lid substantially about the connection point 133. As a result of the usual manner of connection of the stay-tab 130 to the lid 120, the stay-tab is not freely rotatable. Rather, the average stay-tab 130 connection allows the stay-tab to be pivoted by substantially moderate forceful manipulation.
Turning now to
A slit or cut 135 can also be defined in the stay-tab 130. The slit or cut 135 can substantially surround the connection point 133 and can be in relatively close proximity to the connection point as shown. The location of the slit or cut 135 relative to the connection point 133 is intended to allow a small portion of the stay-tab 130 in a region near the connection point and the slit or cut to bend or deform. Such bending or deformation of the small portion of the stay-tab 130 can enable the stay-tab to tilt relative to the lid 120 between an extended position and a retracted position. The stay-tab 130 can be tilted substantially about the connection point 133. More particularly, the first end 131 of the stay-tab 130 can be pulled and tilted upwardly and away from the lid 120 during the opening process while also allowing the stay-tab to remain securely connected to the lid by way of the connection point 133.
As is seen with reference to
The stay-tab 130 includes one or more protection features that substantially prevent entry through the opening 99 of undesirable objects such as stinging insects and the like. Additionally, these protection features allow a liquid contends to be dispensed from the opening 99 in a substantially unrestricted manner. In the exemplary embodiment depicted herein, these protection features include the barrier 138. The barrier 138 can at least partially define a plurality of apertures 134. The apertures 134 can be defined in the first end 131 of the stay-tab 130.
The barrier 138 can be substantially integral with the stay-tab as is depicted. The barrier 138 can be substantially within the main periphery of the stay-tab 130 as in accordance with the exemplary embodiment depicted herein. It is to be understood, however, that in accordance with at least one embodiment not depicted herein, at least a portion of the barrier 138 can be substantially on or outside the main periphery of the stay-tab 130.
One or more of the plurality of apertures 134 can be closed, with a continuous perimeter. At least one of the apertures 134 can be defined wholly within the stay-tab 130. However, it is also to be understood that at least one of the apertures 134 can be open, with a discontinuous perimeter. For example, at least a portion of one of the apertures 134 can be formed and/or defined by the barrier 138 or other part of the stay-tab 130, while another portion or remainder of the aperture can be formed or defined by the lid 120. More specifically, at least one aperture 134 can be substantially defined between the lid 120 and the stay-tab 130.
Each of the apertures 134 can have any of a number of various shapes and/or sizes. For example, one or more of the apertures 134 can have a substantially polygonal shape and/or at least one aperture can have a substantially non-polygonal shape. Moreover, the apertures 134 can be arranged in any of a number of various patterns such as but not limited to rows and columns, arrays, spirals, concentric rings with or without connection links, and the like. The apertures 134 can alternatively be arranged in a substantially random pattern.
Similarly, the barrier 138 can have any of a number of suitable shapes, arrangements, orientations, and patterns. In accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure, the shape of the barrier 138 compliments and/or defines the shape of the adjacent aperture 134, and vice versa. The barrier 138 can have a substantially random shape or configuration. More particularly, for example, the barrier 138 can be reticulated. As is depicted, at least one aperture 134 and/or at least one barrier 138 can be arranged in a pattern that can be described as a sunburst pattern or a spider web pattern.
As in the exemplary embodiment depicted herein, the plurality of apertures 134 can include at least one central aperture 137 that is located substantially in the middle or center of the plurality of apertures 134. Also, at least a portion of the plurality of apertures 134 can be peripheral apertures 136, which substantially surround the central aperture 137. The peripheral apertures 136 can be arranged substantially concentrically relative to the outer edge of the first end 131 of the stay-tab 130. The plurality of apertures 134 can include both a central aperture 137 and a plurality of peripheral apertures 136.
One or more of the apertures 134 can be oval-shaped, such as the central aperture 137 as shown. Similarly, at least one of the plurality of apertures 134 can be substantially triangular or wedge-shaped, such as the peripheral apertures 136 as is also depicted. At least a portion of the barrier 138 can be in the form of a substantially straight element or the like, as is depicted. As is further shown, at least a portion of the barrier 138 can be in the form of a curved or rounded element such as the portion of the barrier adjacent to the central aperture 137.
The barrier 138 and the apertures 134 can be of a size and/or configuration so as to not substantially restrict dispensing liquid contents from a container to which the stay-tab 130 is attached. Dispensation of a liquid contents can include, but is not limited to, drinking or pouring liquid from a container. Additionally, the barrier 138 and the apertures 134 are of a size and/or configuration so as to prevent or substantially discourage certain types of insects from entering a container to which the stay-tab 130 is connected. More specifically, for example, the barrier 138 is configured to prevent undesirable objects such as stinging flying insects and the like from being able to easily negotiate their way through any of the apertures. As configured in such a manner, the stay-tab 130 is adapted to present a substantial barrier to undesirable objects, yet at the same time enable a reasonable flow of a liquid dispensed from a container.
The usual initial position and/or orientation of the stay-tab 130 relative to the lid 120 upon completion of a filling process is that which is depicted in
With reference to
In the initial state of the apparatus 100 prior to commencement of the first step S10 in the exemplary opening process, the closure panel 122 is in place and the score line 121 has not been broken or ruptured. Also, the stay-tab 130 has a substantially parallel orientation relative to the lid 120. The stay-tab 130 is further oriented such that the connection point 133 is substantially between the panel 122 and the first end 131 of the stay-tab. More specifically, the stay-tab 130 is oriented such that the second end 132 of the stay-tab 130 relatively proximal to the panel 122 while the first end 131 is relatively distal from the panel.
The container apparatus 100 shown in the upper right of the diagram depicts a state of the apparatus upon completion of the first step S10 in an opening process. A study of
Continued tilting or moving of the stay-tab 130 toward an extended position can cause the panel 122 to be substantially depressed or pushed into the interior of the container apparatus 100. In this manner, the opening 99 is formed in the lid 120, through which opening the contents of the container apparatus 100 can be drunk, poured or otherwise dispensed. The state of the apparatus 100 upon completion of the first step S10 is substantially the same as the state of the apparatus immediately prior to commencement of a second step S20 of an opening process.
With continued reference to
Also upon completion of the second step S20, the first or reticulated end 131 of the stay-tab 130 is located substantially distally from the opening 99 while the second or impingement end 132 is located substantially proximally to the opening. Thus, the state of the apparatus 100 upon completion of the second step S20 of the opening process is substantially similar to the state of the apparatus prior to commencement of the first step S10, except that the dispensing opening 99 has been formed. Upon completion of the second step S20, the state of the apparatus 100 is substantially identical to the state of the apparatus immediately prior to commencement of a third step S30 in an opening process.
The container apparatus 100 shown in the lower right of the diagram depicts a state of the apparatus upon completion of the third step S30 of an opening process. Upon completion of the third step S30, the stay-tab 130 has been moved so that the first or reticulated end 131 is in substantial overlying juxtapositional relation to the opening 99. Thus, the third step S30 can include moving or turning the stay-tab 130 about the connection point 133 so that the plurality of apertures 134 and/or the barrier 138 is located substantially over the opening 99. Moving or positing the stay-tab 130 according to the third step S30 can specifically include pivoting or turning the stay-tab 130. More specifically, the stay-tab 130 can be pivoted for about one-half turn, or 180° of rotation from its position immediately preceding commencement of the third step S30. In this manner, the first end 131 and the second end 132 substantially reverse their respective positions during accomplishment of the third step S30.
The third step S30 can optionally further include depressing or pushing the first or reticulated end 131 of the stay-tab 130 into a juxtaposed or overlying position relative to the dispensing opening 99. This is preferably done after the barrier 138 has been moved into a position substantially over the opening. Depending on the size and shape of the stay-tab 130, such depressing of the first end 131 of the stay-tab 130 can include pushing the first end into the opening so that when released, the first end may or may not spring back upwardly. Specifically for example, after depressing the first end 131 and releasing it in this manner, the first end of the stay-tab will substantially cover or be within the opening 99 itself.
Thus, the stay-tab 130 can be positioned so that at least a portion of the reticulated end 131 thereof remains either over or within the opening 99. With at least a portion of the stay-tab 130 being located within the opening 99 in such a manner, the stay-tab is prevented from inadvertently rotating out of position. In other words, in this manner, the stay-tab 130 can be substantially locked into position wherein the reticulated end 131 substantially covers the opening 99. Additionally, such positioning of at least a portion of the stay-tab 130 within the opening 99 and below the top of the lid 120 can facilitate easier drinking from the container apparatus 100 by minimizing interference between the stay-tab and a user's lips, for example.
Referring once more to
It is to be understood, however, that any particular portion of the stay-tab 130, including the reticulated end 131, can have any of a number of possible shapes, contours, profiles, outlines and/or features including but not limited to those of polygonal, rounded, multi-faceted, oval and the like. For example, in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the disclosure not specifically depict, both the reticulated end 131 of the stay-tab 130 and the opening 99 can have substantially complimentary rectangular shapes. In a similar manner, the second or impingement end 132 of the stay-tab 130 can have any of a number of suitable shapes.
The first or reticulated end 131 of the stay-tab 130 can be smaller than the opening 99. In this manner, at least one aperture 134 can be substantially formed or defined between the stay-tab 130 and the lid 120. Additionally, if the reticulated end 131 of the stay-tab 130 is at least slightly smaller than the opening 99, the reticulated end can be more readily depressed or pushed into the opening after it is moved into a position substantially covering the opening, as is described above. A close fit between the first end 131 and the opening 99 can assist in locking the stay tab in position substantially within the opening.
In accordance with at least one embodiment of the disclosure, a user can purchase or otherwise obtain an apparatus 100 that is in a filled and sealed state or condition as is generally depicted in
In accordance with one embodiment of the disclosure, a method of packaging a liquid such as a beverage includes attaching the stay-tab 130 to the lid 120 of a can 110. The method can further include extending or tilting the first end 131 of the stay-tab 130 upwardly and toward an extended position, thereby in response causing the second end 132 to tilt downwardly to forcefully impinge on the panel 122 defined in the lid. The method can also include pulling the first end 131 of the stay-tab 130 to an extended position relative to the lid 120 in order to form the opening 99 in the lid.
The method can further include pushing the first end 131 of the stay-tab 130 back down toward a retracted position. In the retracted position, the stay-tab 130 can be substantially parallel with the lid 120. The stay-tab 130 can be juxtapositionally oriented relative to the opening 99. For example, the stay-tab 130 can be moved or positioned so that the first or reticulated end 131 is located substantially over the opening 99. Positioning of the stay-tab 130 can be substantially in the form of pivoting the stay-tab. For example, the stay-tab can be pivoted about the connection point 133 for roughly one-half of a turn. When the reticulated end 131 has been so positioned, the barrier 138 can act to substantially block entry through the opening 99 of undesirable objects such as insects and the like.
The method can further include depressing or pressing the reticulated end 131 of the stay-tab 130 into or through the opening 99 after the stay-tab is positioned so that the apertures 134 and/or the barrier 138 is substantially over the opening. The method can include pouring, drinking and/or otherwise dispensing the liquid contents of the can through the opening 99 and substantially through the apertures.
Another method in accordance with one embodiment of the disclosure includes attaching a stay-tab 130 to a lid 120 of a can or container. The stay-tab 130 includes a reticulated end 131 that is adapted to be extended when opening the can or container. The stay-tab 130 also includes an impingement end 132 that is adapted to, as a result of extending the reticulated end 131, forcefully impinge upon a panel 122 defined in the lid, wherein such impingement upon the panel can result in formation of a dispensing opening 99
In accordance with another method, a stay-tab 130 is attached to a lid 120 of a can or container, wherein the stay-tab has a reticulated barrier 138. The stay-tab 130 is adapted to be repositioned after a dispensing opening 99 is formed in the can or container. Such repositioning results in the barrier 138 being located substantially over the opening 99, thereby substantially blocking entry into the can or container of undesirable objects while allowing substantially unrestricted dispensation of the liquid.
Yet another method includes forming a stay-tab 130 having a reticulated barrier 138. The stay-tab 130 is adapted to be attached to a can or container and is further adapted to be repositioned after a dispensing opening 99 is formed in the can or container. Such repositioning results in the reticulated barrier 138 substantially covering the opening 99, thereby substantially blocking entry into the can or container of undesirable objects while allowing substantially unrestricted dispensation of the liquid.
An additional method includes filling a main body portion 110 of a can or container with a commodity, such as a liquid beverage or the like. A lid 120 can be attached to the main body portion 110 to seal the can or container after filling. The lid 120 has a stay-tab 130 connected thereto. The stay-tab 130 includes a reticulated barrier 138. The stay-tab 130 is adapted to be repositioned after a dispensing opening 99 is formed in the can or container. The repositioning results in the reticulated barrier 138 substantially covering the opening 99.
The above description has set out various features, functions, methods and other aspects of the inventions. This has been done with regard to the currently preferred embodiments thereof. Time and further development may change the manner in which the various aspects are implemented. Such aspects may further be added to by the language of the claims which are incorporated by reference hereinto as originally filed.
The scope of protection accorded the inventions as defined by the claims is not intended to be necessarily limited to the specific sizes, shapes, features or other aspects of the currently preferred embodiments shown and described. The claimed inventions may be implemented or embodied in other forms while still being within the concepts shown, described and claimed herein. Also included are equivalents of the inventions which can be made without departing from the scope of concepts properly protected hereby.
